OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism by which transforming growth factor‑β (TGF‑β) regulates major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and its role in immune evasion of HCC. METHODS: HCC cells treated with TGF‑β alone or in combination with SB-431542 (a TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor) were examined for changes in MHC-I expression using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. A RNA interference experiment was used to explore the role of miR-23a-3p/IRF1 signaling in TGF‑β‑mediated regulation of MHC-I. HCC cells with different treatments were co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the changes in HCC cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. T-cell cytotoxicity in the co-culture systems was assessed with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assays, and T-cell activation was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis of CD69 cells and ELISA for TNF-α secretion. RESULTS: TGF‑β treatment significantly suppressed MHC-I expression in HCC cells and reduced T-cell activation, leading to increased tumor cell proliferation and decreased HCC cell death in the co-culture systems. Mechanistically, TGF-β upregulated miR-23a-3p, which directly targeted IRF1 to inhibit MHC-I transcription. Overexpression of miR-23a-3p phenocopied TGF‑β‑induced suppression of IRF1 and MHC-I. CONCLUSIONS We reveal a novel immune escape mechanism of HCC, in which TGF‑β attenuates T cell-mediated antitumor immunity by suppressing MHC-I expression through the miR-23a-3p/IRF1 signaling axis.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism* ; Liver Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Interferon Regulatory Factor-1/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Tumor Escape ; Coculture Techniques

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.

Objective To assess the prognostic significance of serum cystatin C(CysC)in combination with bedside renal ultrasound for patients diagnosed with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury(AKI).Methods The study cohort comprised 134 patients with sepsis-induced AKI who were admitted to our hospital between October 2019 and October 2023.Based on the 30 day prognosis,the patients were categorized into a survival group(n=93)and a death group(n=41).Collected clinical data included gender,age,heart rate,underlying diseases,treat-ment modalities,duration of hospital stay,basic biochemical indicators,and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)scores.Renal function markers such as serum creatinine(SCr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and cystatin C levels were measured;renal blood flow resistance index(RI)was assessed using bedside routine ultrasound.Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate factors influencing poor prognosis in patients with sepsis-induced AKI while analyzing the prognostic assessment value of combining cystatin C with bedside renal ultrasound through ROC curves.Results The death group exhibited significantly higher APACHEⅡ scores,SCr,BUN,CysC levels,and RI(all P<0.05)compared to the survival group.Cox regression analysis revealed that both CysC levels and RI were significant prognostic indicators(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined assessment of CysC levels and RI yielded a high diagnostic accuracy of 97.5%in predicting outcomes for patients with sepsis-induced AKI.Conclusion CysC levels and bedside renal ultrasound can serve as prognostic indicators for patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury(AKI),thereby guiding clinical treatment.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.

The online version of the original article can be found at https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2000190 Erratum to: J Zhejiang Univ-Sci B (Biomed & Biotechnol) 2020 21(10):779-795 https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2000190.

The heparin polysaccharide nanoparticles block the interaction between heparan sulfate/S protein and inhibit the infection of both wild-type SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus and the mutated strains through pulmonary delivery.Image 1.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of injectable polymyxin B combined with tigecycline in pneumonia caused by pan-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumonia (PDR-KP). Methods:The retrospective analysis utilized clinical data of 71 patients with PDR-KP admitted to the Neurointensive Care Unit of Beijing Chaoyang Integrative Medicine Emergency Medical Center between September 2018 and August 2021. All patients received injectable polymyxin B combined with tigecycline. The response rate, bacterial clearance rate, and safety of this therapeutic option were evaluated according to the clinical symptoms and biochemical parameters before treatment (baseline), 7 days after the treatment, and at the end of the treatment.Results:The treatment time of 71 patients ranged from 8 to 14 days, with an average of 11 days. The symptoms, signs, laboratory tests, and chest CT findings of most patients significantly improved after the treatment using polymyxin B combined with tigecycline. On the 7th day after the treatment, 37 patients were clinically effective, with a total effective rate of 52.1%(37/71); 41 patients obtained bacteriological clearance, with a bacterial clearance rate of 57.7%(41/71). At the end of treatment, 51 patients were clinically effective, with a total effective rate of 71.8%(51/71); 56 patients obtained bacteriological clearance, with a bacterial clearance rate of 78.9%(56/71). Compared with the results on the 7th day after the treatment, the total effective rate ( χ2=5.86, P=0.016) and bacterial clearance rate ( χ2=7.32, P=0.007) of patients at the end of treatment were significantly increased. Skin pigmentation occurred in 39.4%(28/71) of patients during the treatment. Conclusions:Polymyxin B combined with tigecycline can be tried as a treatment option for pneumonia caused by PDR-KP, but more reliable clinical evidence is still needed.

Abstract: To investigate the protective effect and mechanisms of silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) agonist resveratrol on monocrotaline-induced Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome(HSOS) in rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Sprauge-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into three group, with 8 rats in the control group and 12 rats in each of the monocrotaline group and resveratrol group. The monocrotaline group and resveratrol group were given monocrotaline(160 mg/kg) by single gavage. The resveratrol group was intraperitoneally injected with resveratrol solution [30 mg/(kg·d)] one day before intragastric administration. The experiment was terminated 2 days after the monocrotaline administration. Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total bilirubin(TBiL), glutathione(GSH) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in liver homogenate were detected. The pathological change of liver tissue was observed. The protein expression levels of SIRT1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in liver were detected by Westernblot. Results: Compared with the control group, the serum ALT, AST and TBiL in monocrotaline group increased(allP<0.01), GSH in liver homogenate decreased(P<0.01), MDA increased(P<0.01). Disordered arrangement, degeneration and necrosis of liver cells, congestion and dilation of hepatic sinuses and damage of central vein endothelium were observed. SIRT1 decreased(P<0.01), HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression increased(allP<0.01). After resveratrol treatment, serum ALT, AST and TBiL obviously decreased(P<0.05;P<0.05;P<0.01). GSH in liver homogenate increased(P<0.01), MDA decreased(P<0.01). And resveratrol also could inhibit the liver pathological damage caused by monocrotaline. SIRT1 protein expression increased(P<0.01), HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression also decreased(allP<0.01). Conclusion Resveratrol can improve Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome caused by monocrotaline in rats, and the mechanism is related to its activation of SIRT1, inhibition of HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway and antioxidanion.

Objective To investigate changes in nutritional status in senile dementia patients with malnutrition treated with enteral nutrition combined with rehabilitation therapy evaluated by using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form(MNA-SF).Methods Fifty hospitalized patients with senile dementia and malnutrition at the internal medicine department of our hospital from July 2014 to July 2017 were enrolled and further divided into an enteral nutrition group(a control group,n =25)and an enteral nutrition combined with rehabilitation therapy group(an observation group,n=25).Anthropometric parameters including body mass index,biceps circumference,calf circumference,triceps skin-fold thickness,and blood biochemical parameters including hemoglobin,total cholesterol,triacylglycerol,albumin,lymphocyte count before and after treatment were compared between the groups.Results Anthropometric parameters such as body mass index,biceps circumference,calf circumference and triceps skin-fold thickness had no significant difference between the two groups before treatment (P ＞ 0.05),while after 30 days of treatment,anthropometric parameters saw improvement in both groups compared with those before treatment,and the improvement was greater in the observation group than in the control group(P ＜0.01).Blood biochemical parameters had no significant difference between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05).After 30 days of treatment,levels of total cholesterol and triacylglycerol had no significant difference compared with those before treatment or between the two groups(P ＞0.05),while levels of hemoglobin,albumin and lymphocyte count improved compared with those before treatment (t =2.645,2.843,2.967,respectively,P ＜0.01),and had significant differences between the groups (t =2.548,2.864,2.976,respectively,P＜0.01).Conclusions Enteral nutrition combined with rehabilitation therapy has a measurable,positive influence on nutritional status in senile dementia patients with malnutrition.

Objective To study the computed tomography(CT)manifestations of involvement of bridging septa in the perirenal space(BSPS)during acute pancreatitis(AP)and its correlation with extrapancreatic inflam-mation on abdominal computed tomography(EPICT)score. Methods 106 patients with acute pancreatitis were included in this study. Emphasis was placed on CT findings of BSPS and the EPICT score in all the patients. Results The EPICT score was 4 to 7 in 67 patients,and the EPICT score was 0 to 3 in 39 patients. BSPS involve-ment was shown in all the patients. The left or right BSPS involved in 102 patients and 98 patients,respectively. Thickening of the BSPS was shown as strip shadow with slightly higher density and hazy border;fluid collection of the BSPS was shown as liquid density with hazy border. The involvement of BSPS showed a statistically significant association with the EPICT score in the AP patients(r=0. 703,P<0.01). Conclusion BSPS involved by acute pancreatitis is shown as a strip shadow with slightly higher density or as liquid density with hazy border on CT images, reflecting the severity of the acute pancreatitis.